I believe a holistic approach to learning, where children actively constructing knowledge (Piaget) embodies the essence of how children learn. Holistic learning helps children make real world connections within the act of learning (Vygotsky). Active learning values childrens' thinking and provides them with opportunities to develop as thinkers. Active learning contributes towards ownership of one’s own learning. In a attept for a deeper understanding of how our world works, I have taken a unit of study, Living Things and made it into an interdisciplinary unit specific to vegetable plants and gardening. The purpose of this unit is to boarden the base of the children's experiences from which they work, to encourage students to become thoughtful learners and to participate in their own education and to help them become a willing guide in their own learning for the rest of their lives.
Generalizations and Supporting Essential Knowledge
I. When you understand that seeds are a living thing, then you will understand that… A. Cycle
1.Living things make new living things.
2.Plants make seeds and seeds make new plants.
3.Fruits, flowers, and vegetables are where seeds are found.
B.Change
1.Large things are made up of smaller things.
2.Seeds change as they grow.
C.Germination
1.Seeds reproduce in many different ways.
2.Different seeds make different plants. 3.Seeds need certain conditions to grow.
II.When you understand that the cycle of a seed needs appropriate conditions in order to develop, then you will understand…
A.Adaptation
1.Seeds scatter in different ways.
2.Seeds protect themselves from weather and animals.
3.Seeds are alike in the way they look and the things they do.
4.Gravity, soil, moisture, and sunlight affect seeds.
B.Environment
1.Plants have their own unique seed, which determines what the plant will grow into.
2.Plants need light, air, and water to produce food.
3.Plants and seeds are suited to the environment in which they grow.
III.When you understand that seeds play an important role in human survival, then you will understand… A.Interdependence
1.All living things need plants to survive.
2.All plants need the environment to survive.
3.Almost all things are derived from plants.
A. Cycle
1. Living things make new living things.
2. Plants make seeds and seeds make new plants.
3. Fruits, flowers, and vegetables are where seeds are found.
B. Change
1. Large things are made up of smaller things.
2. Seeds change as they grow.
C. Germination
1. Seeds reproduce in many different ways.
2. Different seeds make different plants.
3. Seeds need certain conditions to grow.
II.When you understand that the cycle of a seed needs appropriate conditions in order to develop, then you will understand…
A. Adaptation
1. Seeds scatter in different ways.
2. Seeds protect themselves from weather and animals.
3. Seeds are alike in the way they look and the things they do.
4. Gravity, soil, moisture, and sunlight affect seeds.
B. Environment
1. Plants have their own unique seed, which determines what the plant will grow into.
2. Plants need light, air, and water to produce food.
3. Plants and seeds are suited to the environment in which they grow.
III.When you understand that seeds play an important role in human survival, then you will understand…
A. Interdependence
1. All living things need plants to survive.
2. All plants need the environment to survive.
3. Almost all things are derived from plants.